Saudia's new low-cost receives its first A320

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Flyadeal, the new low-cost operator from Saudia, received its first aircraft, an Airbus A320-200, to launch its operations in Saudi Arabia in late September.

Announced by Saudia in April 2016, the creation of the new airline takes shape. The new Saudi company took delivery of its first A320ceo on August 23, 2017, at the Airbus center in Hamburg. The aircraft is leased from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).

The leasing company will provide to the new low-cost operator seven additional A320ceo, which will constitute its initial fleet. Deliveries are scheduled to run from 2017 to 2018. All aircraft will be equipped with CFM 56-5B4 / 3 PIP engines. They will be converted into a single class with 186 seats. Flyadeal has chosen Recaro seats for its devices, 18 inches wide, with USB ports and holders for electronic devices.

The new low-cost operator by Saudia is scheduled to begin operations on September 23, 2017.

Flyadeal is scheduled to begin operations on September 23, 2017. The network has not yet been detailed, but the carrier will serve domestic and regional markets, said company chief executive Con Korfiatis in a statement.

"Saudi Arabia and the region have a very young and digital-minded population that has a growing thirst for cheap travel. Flyadeal plans to serve and develop this important segment of the airline industry, " adds the company executive.

Flyadeal will operate independently from Saudia, with its own operating license and strategy. Unlike its parent company, it will not be a member of the SkyTeam alliance.

The national company Saudia has announced the launch of Flyadeal as part of its expansion plan SV2020, aimed at doubling its traffic in seven years (2014-2020).

More broadly, Saudi Arabia has put in place a strategic program, called Vision 2030, to ensure its development. Transport and tourism are "the two pillars" and the launch of Flyadeal is at the heart of this strategy, says Saleh Al Jasser, president of Flyadeal and general manager of Saudia.